Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Modi and Putin to Discuss Trade, Defence, Arctic Cooperation
Narendra Modi of India and Vladimir Putin of Russia are expected to meet in Delhi.
They will talk about many areas where the two countries work together.
One topic is a shipping route through the Arctic called the Northern Sea Route.
India may test this route with its first voyage in 2027.
The leaders may also discuss defence equipment, including air-defence systems and fighter jets.
Energy and nuclear power cooperation are also important topics.
India wants to sell more medicines, machinery and other goods in Russia.
The countries may also cooperate on space technology, rare minerals and new nuclear projects.
Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin are expected to discuss energy, shipping, defence, space and nuclear cooperation in Delhi.
India and Russia may cooperate on the Northern Sea Route, with India’s first pilot voyage expected in 2027.
Defence discussions could include S-400 deliveries, Su-57 fighters and BrahMos missile upgrades.
India is seeking greater Russian market access for pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, agriculture, machinery and other products.
Critical minerals, rare earths, nuclear power and space technology could broaden the countries’ strategic partnership.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- What
- They are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in energy, shipping, defence, space, nuclear power, trade and critical minerals.
- When
- Putin arrived on Friday ahead of the BRICS summit; a Northern Sea Route pilot voyage is expected in 2027.
- Where
- The bilateral talks are expected in Delhi, India, with a possible visit to the INNOPROM exhibition.
- Why
- The discussions aim to expand the strategic partnership, improve two-way trade, develop transport links and deepen technology cooperation.
- Northern Sea Route
- India and Russia are discussing cooperation, including a possible intergovernmental memorandum and a joint pilot voyage.
- Expected first voyage
- India’s first Northern Sea Route voyage is expected in 2027.
- Defence agenda
- Potential topics include S-400 deliveries, Su-57 fighters and BrahMos missile upgrades.
- Trade target
- India and Russia aim to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
- Market access
- India wants greater access for pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, agricultural products, machinery and other manufactured goods.
- Energy and nuclear power
- Russia is interested in oil supplies, new nuclear projects and small modular reactors; Russian-designed reactors operate at Kudankulam.
- Space cooperation
- Russia may offer a semi-cryogenic rocket engine for India’s LVM3 launch vehicle, potentially with technology transfer.